Shows
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMatthew Riccitello on His Vuelta Breakout, Trading NBA Dreams for Cycling Stardom, Leaving IPT for a French Super Team & Taking on Tadej PogačarSpencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz sat down with Tucson local/American GC star Matthew Riccitello live at the El Tour de Tucson to discuss his breakout ride at the Vuelta a España, his development from aspiring NBA star, to novice cyclist, to finishing 5th place overall at the Vuelta in just a few years, his decision to leave Israel Premier-Tech for the French superteam Decathlon-CMA CGM for 2026, and how he sees his career developing in the near future.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond t...
2025-11-2958 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastEl Tour de Tucson Post-Race ThoughtsSpencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz report back on their experience racing at the El Tour de Tucson, which saw them race 102 miles at a scorching pace alongside George Hincapie, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Quinn Simmons, and 11,000 of their closest friends. Before they wrap, they have Steve Morganstern, board chairman for Perimeter Bicycling of America, including El Tour de Tucson, on to discuss the event and its charitable goals.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders?
2025-11-2354 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastRouleur Live Dispatch & Off-Season RumorsIn the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz check in from London’s Rouleur Live event, discuss their recent travel drama and the unfolding drama around the IPT team, and the rumor that their former sponsor, Premier Tech, is looking to partner with Mathieu van der Poel and his Alpecin team in 2026. This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter: Season in Review Part 3: Who Were 2025’s Top Riders?Andrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter...
2025-11-1551 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastDoes Premier Tech's Sudden Withdrawal Suggest Pro Cycling is Heading for a Financial Sustainability Crisis?In the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and co-host Andrew Vontz discuss Los Angeles’ rise as a global hub for off-season pro-cycling training, why Premier Tech’s sudden and shocking departure from the IPT team is happening, and what it signals about the future of the sport. They also break down what top gravel stars might be earning, why that makes it difficult for them to attempt a jump to high-level road racing, Visma’s commitment to quality coffee while on the road, and how private jet travel could be a simple...
2025-11-0857 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastBenji Naesen on the Best & Worst of the 2025 Pro Cycling SeasonIn the latest episode of the Beyond the Peloton podcast, BTP newsletter author Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz are joined by Benji Naesen of the Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast to dive deep into his favorite and least favorite things about the 2025 season, as well as how Benji would devise a strategy to compete against dominant riders like Tadej Pogacar, reflections on the greatest eras in cycling, and why Milan-Sanremo is now the sport's best race.This episode is brought to you by Join Cycling. Get your first month free through this linkBeyond the Peloton Newsletter...
2025-10-311h 28
Choose the Hard WayDylan Johnson - Always Finish the Race You Start - The Long Walk at Big SugarPro cyclist Dylan Johnson & Choose the Hard Way creator Andrew Vontz on why you should always finish the races you start. Choose the Hard Way is the show about how hard things build stronger humans who have more fun. This conversation explores why Dylan Johnson walked two hours in road bike shoes on gravel to get to the finish line in the Big Sugar classic, the final race in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix. Choose the Hard Way has big plans for 2026. We need your help to make it happen. Please help me double the Choose the...
2025-10-2239 minChoose the Hard WayDylan Johnson - Always Finish the Race You Start - The Long Walk at Big SugarPro cyclist Dylan Johnson & Choose the Hard Way creator Andrew Vontz on why you should always finish the races you start. Choose the Hard Way is the show about how hard things build stronger humans who have more fun. This conversation explores why Dylan Johnson walked two hours in road bike shoes on gravel to get to the finish line in the Big Sugar classic, the final race in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix. Choose the Hard Way has big plans for 2026. We need your help to make it happen. Please help me double the Choose the...
2025-10-2239 min
Autsaid - Gravel PodcastLate Season Check-in with Andrew VontzThomas is joined by Andrew Vontz from Choose the Hard Way and Beyond the Peloton. The two share their observations from the 2025 gravel season and tell us what excites them for the remainder of the season.Topics in this Episode: The Rise of "Grass Racing": Is "grass" is becoming the next defining surface in gravel. Will we have surface specialists like in Tennis, even? Is Mud a Problem? The role of mud pits and Minimum Maintenance Roads (MMRs) in races like Unbound and Gravel Worlds can be outsized. Should organizers reroute to prevent mechanicals and damage...
2025-09-2154 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta GC Battle Heats Up: Vingegaard vs. Almeida, Pidcock Delivers, Remco’s Role at Red Bull & MoreSpencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the final week of the 2025 Vuelta a España, going through the extremely tight GC battle between UAE’s João Almeida and Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard, discussing why UAE seems to struggle with matching Visma’s level of professionalism and coordination, Tom Pidcock’s impressive and unexpected ride, and what Giulio Pellizzari’s rise and Jai Hindley’s resurgence mean for Remco Evenepoel’s status at Red Bull-bora-Hansgrohe.Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Daily Vuelta Stage BreakdownsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss...
2025-09-131h 00
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta Week 2 Check-In: Can João Almeida Take Down Jonas Vingegaard?Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the second week of the 2025 Vuelta a España, mainly the GC battle that played out between UAE’s João Almeida and Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard on the hardest climb in pro cycling, Alto de l'Angliru, and if Almeida can realistically challenge Vingegaard for the overall win. They also discuss the continuing chaos at the UAE and how Juan Ayuso would fit in at his likely new destination of Lidl-Trek.Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Daily Vuelta Stage BreakdownsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If yo...
2025-09-061h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta First Week Check-In: Is Juan Ayuso Leaving UAE?Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz break down the opening week of the 2025 Vuelta a España, highlighting a few standout moments from the race so far before discussing how the GC battle between UAE’s João Almeida and Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard is, or isn’t, shaping up as they expected. They also debate the reasons for Juan Ayuso's up-and-down performances and whether there is any truth to the rumors of his imminent departure from the crowded GC leadership lineup at UAE. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Daily Vuelta Stage BreakdownsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter
2025-08-301h 02
Beyond the Peloton PodcastLa Vuelta a España Preview: Can Jonas Vingegaard Save His Season?Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz invite Riding With’s Jonathan Kaplan to preview the 2025 Vuelta a España, including whether the race is a must-win endeavor for Visma and Jonas Vingegaard after a disappointing Tour de France, if UAE’s wave of young prospects can finally emerge as Grand Tour winners, and how the stage win battles between Mads Pedersen and Jasper Philipsen could play out.Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Final BreakdownAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way NewsletterJonathan’s Riding With Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this...
2025-08-221h 03
Beyond the Peloton PodcastDid the Tour Kill the Climbing Bike & Does Remco Evenepoel Fit in at Red Bull?Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz give their final thoughts on the 2025 Tour de France, including whether the race marked the rise of the aero bike and the death of the lightweight climbing bike, before diving into Remco Evenepoel’s blockbuster transfer to RedBull-Bora-hansgrohe and what it means for the team’s chemistry in the upcoming season.Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Final BreakdownAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/subscr
2025-08-1524 min
Choose the Hard WayRahm Emanuel - United States of SweatRahm Emanuel was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025. Prior to that, he served as the White House Chief of Staff from 2009 to 2010 under President Barack Obama, and as the Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019. He also represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. Welcome back to United States of Sweat presented by Choose the Hard Way where politicians and policymakers join us to share stories about fitness, health and the sports they love playing. Jonathan Kaplan is my co-host and the founder of WRITE CADENCE STRATEGIES, helping organizations na...
2025-08-0732 minChoose the Hard WayRahm Emanuel - United States of SweatRahm Emanuel was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025. Prior to that, he served as the White House Chief of Staff from 2009 to 2010 under President Barack Obama, and as the Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019. He also represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. Welcome back to United States of Sweat presented by Choose the Hard Way where politicians and policymakers join us to share stories about fitness, health and the sports they love playing. Jonathan Kaplan is my co-host and the founder of WRITE CADENCE STRATEGIES, helping organizations na...
2025-08-0732 minChoose the Hard WayCameron Jones - Unbound Gravel 2025 ChampionCameron Jones won the 2025 edition of the 205-mile Unbound Gravel, the most competitive edition ever of the most prestigious gravel race on the planet. Three months earlier, he showed up in America, walked into a used car dealership in the Bay Area, walked off the lot with a used Honda Odyssey and a dream to make this his best season ever. But these aren't the most interesting parts of his story. Cameron has done stints in the forestry industry and in his teens back in New Zealand was an elite mutli-sport athlete who knocked the ar...
2025-07-221h 07Choose the Hard WayCameron Jones - Unbound Gravel 2025 ChampionCameron Jones won the 2025 edition of the 205-mile Unbound Gravel, the most competitive edition ever of the most prestigious gravel race on the planet. Three months earlier, he showed up in America, walked into a used car dealership in the Bay Area, walked off the lot with a used Honda Odyssey and a dream to make this his best season ever. But these aren't the most interesting parts of his story. Cameron has done stints in the forestry industry and in his teens back in New Zealand was an elite mutli-sport athlete who knocked the ar...
2025-07-221h 07
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs the Tour’s Green Jersey Battle Shaping up to Be the Best of All-Time?Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz discuss the action so far at the 2025 Tour de France, from the moto controversy between Tim Wellens and Quinn Simmons on Stage 15 to Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel and Jonathan Milan being locked in one of the best three-way Green Jersey battles of all-time, before breaking down which future star might eventually be able to take down Pogačar.Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Final Rest Day ReflectionsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers o...
2025-07-2249 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTour de France Rest Day Recap: Do Time Trials Belong in Grand Tours?Spencer Martin and Andrew Vontz discuss the action so far at the 2025 Tour de France, from the stage win battles between Jonthan Milan and Tim Merlier, the GC battle between Tadej Pogačar andJonas Vingegaard, to EF's Ben Healy taking an unexpected Yellow Jersey, before Andrew unleashes his hot take that individual time trials have no place in modern Grand Tours.Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Rest Day #1 ReflectionsAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
2025-07-1636 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastTour de France Preview & Unchained Season 3 ThoughtsSpencer Martin and Andrew Vontz give their thoughts on the latest season of Netflix’s Tour de France Unchained before discussing the 2025 Tour de France, which kicks off tomorrow in Lille and features a GC battle between Tadej Pogačar/Jonas Vingegaard, and plenty of stage wins battles between a historically stacked field of sprinters and Classics stars. Beyond the Peloton Newsletter: Tour de France 2025 Cheat SheetAndrew’s Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.su
2025-07-041h 00Choose the Hard WayUnited States of Sweat with Ambassador Jeff Flake - Desert Island Survival, Long-Distance Swimming & MoreDuring a divided time in America, our love of sports and fitness cross party lines and can keep us healthy as individuals and bring us together as a nation. The United States of Sweat is a new series from Choose the Hard Way that features the world's leading political leaders and policy makers sharing stories about what they do to stay healthy, fit and physically active. When we decided to launch the United States of Sweat, we knew the first guest we wanted to land was an endurance athlete of a different kind, Ambassador Jeff Fl...
2025-05-2941 minChoose the Hard WayUnited States of Sweat with Ambassador Jeff Flake - Desert Island Survival, Long-Distance Swimming & MoreDuring a divided time in America, our love of sports and fitness cross party lines and can keep us healthy as individuals and bring us together as a nation. The United States of Sweat is a new series from Choose the Hard Way that features the world's leading political leaders and policy makers sharing stories about what they do to stay healthy, fit and physically active. When we decided to launch the United States of Sweat, we knew the first guest we wanted to land was an endurance athlete of a different kind, Ambassador Jeff Fl...
2025-05-2941 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastClassics Check-In & a Thrilling GC Duel at CatalunyaSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab give their thoughts on the state of the Mathieu van der Poel/Tadej Pogačar Classics battle, the strange absence of Wout van Aert & how the veteran Primož Roglič is taking on the wunderkind Juan Ayuso at Volta Catalunya.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.c
2025-03-2949 min
Choose the Hard WayPro Cyclist Chase Wark pt. 1 - Mega Mid South FKTPro gravel cyclist Chase Wark joins me today to talk about setting the fastest known time on the 300-mile Mega Mid South gravel loop after wildfires devastated the Stillwater, Oklahoma area and cancelled the Mid South gravel race. Find Chase @chasethebiker on Instagram. I wrote a story with my thoughts and reflections on the interview you'll hear today on my substack. Find that at https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/. That link is in the show notes & you can also find it in my bio @hardwaypod on Instagram. The #1 thing you can do to support this show is...
2025-03-2828 minChoose the Hard WayPro Cyclist Chase Wark pt. 1 - Mega Mid South FKTPro gravel cyclist Chase Wark joins me today to talk about setting the fastest known time on the 300-mile Mega Mid South gravel loop after wildfires devastated the Stillwater, Oklahoma area and cancelled the Mid South gravel race. Find Chase @chasethebiker on Instagram. I wrote a story with my thoughts and reflections on the interview you'll hear today on my substack. Find that at https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/. That link is in the show notes & you can also find it in my bio @hardwaypod on Instagram. The #1 thing you can do to support this show is...
2025-03-2828 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastMilan-Sanremo Preview & Matteo Jorgenson's FutureSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss and debate what Matteo Jorgenson's second-consecutive Paris-Nice wins mean for his and Visma's future in the Tour de France before diving deep into how this weekend's Milan-Sanremo, the first Monument of the season, will be won.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/su
2025-03-211h 06
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs True Rider Safety Possible in Pro Cycling?Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab debate the issue of rider safety, including if true rider safety is even possible in pro cycling, before diving into the racing action at Paris-Nice, where defending champion Matteo Jorgenson has been shadow-boxing his Visma teammate, and what the racing at Tirreno-Adriatico can tell us about the upcoming Spring Classics.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscrib
2025-03-1557 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWhat Has Gone Wrong With Visma & Wout Van Aert’s Underwhelming Classics Campaign?Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab go through their key takeaways from the start of Classics season, what they think is going on with Visma-LAB and Wout van Aert's underperformance, if Mathieu van der Poel and Alpecin will steamroll through the classics, as well as some background on the recent developments and rumors from the One Cycling project.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd l...
2025-03-071h 00
Beyond the Peloton PodcastCobbled Classics Opening Weekend & Explaining the Growing Tiny Cranks TrendSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab break down why Jonas Vingegaard is riding tiny 150mm cranks, and break down the pros and cons of doing so, before giving their thoughts on the opening weekend of the Cobbled Classics and which riders to watch out for when the 'real' cycling season kicks off.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subsc...
2025-03-0136 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastWhy It Is Getting More & More Expensive to Watch Pro CyclingSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss the highlights from early-season racing, the ever-growing trend of running amongst elite cyclists and dive deep into how WBD's decision to increase the cost to view cycling in the UK by over 300% shows that it will only get more and more expensive to watch live sports as the cost to buy sports rights continues to rise. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way NewsletterTry The Be...
2025-02-1455 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastBonus Episode: BTP Live From TucsonSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better invite Kip Taylor (of Colorado and Nex Mexico cycling fame) and Jonathan Kaplan of the Riding With Newsletter to discuss their recent training camp/2025 planning retreat in Tucson, Arizona, and how modern the shifting trends in modern top-level training and racing have shifted the historic winter cycling destination. Beyond the Peloton NewsletterTry The Better Lab todayChoose the Hard Way Podcast & Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discu...
2025-02-0542 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastJack Burke on Taking Famous Strava KOMs, the Struggle for a Pro Contract & His Future PlansSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better sit down with Jack Burke, a Canadian cyclist, podcaster, and author, who made headlines earlier this year when he took the Strava KOMs (aka fastest recorded times) on some of the hardest climbs in professional cycling (Alpe d'Huez, Stelvio & Mortirolo) a year after stepping away from a career in the lower ranks of professional cycling. They discuss Jack's racing background, his journey through the brutal world of third-division European racing, how he came to record some of the fastest...
2025-01-241h 29
Beyond the Peloton PodcastAre Mathematical Models & Simulations Changing Pro Cycling Tactics?Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better discuss Sepp Kuss' decision to revert to his super-domestique role in 2025 and how superteams could be using modeling and complex simulations to refine their in-race strategies before getting Andrew's on-the-ground report from Arizona before BTP's Tucson summit next week. Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Try The Better Lab today This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyo
2025-01-1649 min
Autsaid - Gravel PodcastOff Season Rumors and 2025 PredictionsAre you missing gravel racing? Can't you wait for the new season to start? Then this one is for you. Thomas invited Andrew Vontz back on the show to talk about off-season Gossip (or the lack thereof), some notable moves, current trends in the pros’ training, their predictions for the 2025 gravel season, and much more.Instagram: Andrew Vontz ThomasSupport us on Patreon! Much appreciated.Watch the newest Autsaid YouTube video about Paul's participation at the German Cyclocross Championships. Click here!
2025-01-1555 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastIs Modern Training Extending Riders' Careers?Spencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better go through what they were thankful for during the 2024 season, and what they want to see in 2025, over the holiday week.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's 2025 GC Contender TiersTry The Better Lab todayThis episode is supported by buycycle, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a special offer from our friends at buycycle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subsc...
2024-11-291h 08
Beyond the Peloton PodcastHow a Speed Skater Hacked Cycling TrainingSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better break down how a speed skater exposed a lot of assumptions made in modern cycling training, and discuss how Jack Burke, a Canadian amateur who keeps taking some of cycling's toughest Strava KOMs, could present a money-ball acquisition for a struggling WorldTour squad.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's 2025 GC Contender TiersTry The Better Lab todayThis episode is supported by buycycle, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned bikes. Listen to the podcast for a spe...
2024-11-2358 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastHow LTGP & SBT GRVL's 2025 Changes Will Affect the American Race SceneSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab discuss what the recent changes to the LifeTime Grand Prix series and SBT GRVLs could mean for America's gravel racing scene before attempting to understand the Ineos/Tom Pidcock/Q36.5 love triangle and touching on a few other recent news items. BTP Newsletter In-Depth BreakdownsListen to Andrew's Choose the Hard Way PodcastBTP is seamlessly following every twist and turn of the 2024 Tour de France with the fantastic T...
2024-10-2649 min
Beyond the Peloton PodcastClassics Check-In & a Thrilling GC Duel at CatalunyaSpencer Martin of the Beyond the Peloton Newsletter and Andrew Vontz of the Choose the Hard Way Podcast/The Better Lab give their thoughts on the state of the Mathieu van der Poel/Tadej Pogačar Classics battle, the strange absence of Wout van Aert & how the veteran Primož Roglič is taking on the wunderkind Juan Ayuso at Volta Catalunya.Beyond the Peloton newsletter's Where to Watch Pro Cycling in 2025Choose the Hard Way Newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beyondthepeloton.substack.com/s
2020-11-0249 min